Apparatus for aseptic packaging

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 09/306,552, filed on May 6,1999, which is a non-provisional of Ser. No. 60/118,404, filed on Feb.2, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems for the asepticpackaging of food products. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an aseptic packaging system for the aseptic packaging of foodproducts in containers such as bottles or jars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sterilized packaging systems in which a sterile food product is placedand sealed in a container to preserve the product for later use are wellknown in the art. Methods of sterilizing incoming containers, fillingthe containers with pasteurized product, and sealing the containers inan aseptic tunnel are also known.

Packaged food products can generally be categorized as high acidproducts (Ph below 4.5) or low acid products (Ph of 4.5 and above). Thehigh acid content of a high acid product helps to reduce bacteria growthin the product, thereby increasing the shelf life of the product. Thelow acid content of a low acid product, however, necessitates the use ofmore stringent packaging techniques, and often requires refrigeration ofthe product at the point of sale.

Several packaging techniques, including extended shelf life (ESL) andaseptic packaging, have been developed to increase the shelf life of lowacid products. During ESL packaging, for example, the packaging materialis commonly sanitized and filled with a product in a presterilizedtunnel under “ultra-clean” conditions. By using such ESL packagingtechniques, the shelf life of an ESL packaged product is commonlyextended from about 10 to 15 days to about 90 days. Aseptic packagingtechniques, however, which require that the packaging take place in asterile environment, using presterilized containers, etc., are capableof providing a packaged product having an even longer shelf life of 150days or more. In fact, with aseptic packaging, the shelf life limitationis often determined by the quality of the taste of the packaged product,rather than by a limitation caused by bacterial growth.

For the aseptic packaging of food products, an aseptic filler must, forexample, use an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved sterilant,meet FDA quality control standards, use a sterile tunnel or clean room,and must aseptically treat all packaging material. The food product mustalso be processed using an “Ultra High Temperature” (UHT) pasteurizationprocess to meet FDA aseptic standards. The packaging material mustremain in a sterile environment during filling, closure, and sealingoperations.

Many attempts have been made, albeit unsuccessfully, to aseptically fillcontainers, such as bottles or jars having small openings, at a highoutput processing speed. In addition, previous attempts for asepticallypackaging a low acid product in plastic bottles or jars (e.g., formed ofpolyethylene terepthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE)), ata high output processing speed, have also failed. Furthermore, the priorart has not been successful in providing a high output aseptic fillerthat complies with the stringent United States FDA standards forlabeling a packaged product as “aseptic.” In the following descriptionof the present invention, the term “aseptic” denotes the United StatesFDA level of aseptic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the above deficiencies, the present inventionprovides a method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed lowacid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass orplastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Many features are incorporated into the aseptic processing apparatus ofthe present invention in order to meet the various United States FDAaseptic standards and the 3A Sanitary Standards and Accepted Practices.

The aseptic processing apparatus of the present invention uses filteredair to maintain a positive pressure within a filler apparatus. Thefiller apparatus includes a sterile tunnel that is pressurized to alevel greater than atomospheric pressure using filtered sterile air. Thefiller apparatus includes three interfaces with the ambient environment,each of which eliminates the possibility of external contamination. Thefirst interface is where containers first enter the sterile tunnelthrough a bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus. In accordance withthe present invention, there is always an outflow of aseptic sterilant(e.g., hydrogen peroxide) enriched sterile air from the first interfaceto prevent contaminants from entering the sterile tunnel. The secondinterface with the sterile tunnel is the path where incoming lid stockenters a lid sealing and heat sealing apparatus. To preventcontamination, the lid stock passes through a hydrogen peroxide baththat provides an aseptic barrier for any contaminants that enter thesterile tunnel through the second interface. The third interface withthe sterile tunnel is at an exit opening of a discharge apparatus wheresealed containers leave the sterile tunnel. Positive sterile airpressure within the sterile tunnel ensures that sterile air iscontinuously flowing out of the exit opening of the discharge apparatus,thereby preventing contaminants from entering the sterile tunnel throughthis interface.

The aseptic processing apparatus includes a conveying apparatus fortransporting the containers through a plurality of processing stationslocated within the sterile tunnel. The entire conveying apparatus isenclosed within the sterile tunnel, and is never is exposed to unsterileconditions.

The interior surface of a container such as a bottle or jar is much moredifficult to aseptically sterilize than the interior surface of a cup. Acup generally has a large opening compared to its height, whereas abottle or jar generally has a small opening compared to its height andits greatest width (e.g., the ratio of the opening diameter to theheight of the container is less than 1.0). A sterilant can beintroduced, activated, and removed in a cup much more rapidly than in abottle or jar. The processing speed when using a bottle or jar islimited, in part, by the time required to aseptically sterilize theinterior surface of the bottle or jar. The aseptic processing apparatusof the present invention overcomes the processing speed limitationsassociated with the use of containers such as bottles or jars.

A high output processing speed is achieved in the present invention byapplying a hot atomized sterilant, such as a hydrogen peroxide sprayonto the interior surface of each container, and by subsequentlyactivating and removing the sterilant in a plurality of drying stationsusing hot sterile air. For example hydrogen peroxide breaks down intowater and oxygen, and thus oxidizes and kills bacteria within thecontainer. To achieve aseptic sterilization, a minimum containertemperature is developed and held for a predetermined period of time(e.g., 131° F. for 5 seconds) after application of the sterilant. Hotsterile air is delivered at a high volume and a relatively lowtemperature to dry the container and to prevent the container (if formedof plastic) from being heated to its softening temperature. Aftercontainer drying, the residual hydrogen peroxide in the container isbelow a predetermined level (e.g., about 0.5 PPM (parts per million)).

The present invention generally provides a method for asepticallybottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a plurality of bottles;    -   aseptically disinfecting the plurality of bottles;    -   aseptically filling the aseptically disinfected plurality of        bottles with the aseptically sterilized foodstuffs; and    -   filling the aseptically disinfected plurality of bottles at a        rate greater than 100 bottles per minute.

The present invention additionally provides a method for asepticallybottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a plurality of bottles;    -   aseptically disinfecting the bottles at a rate greater than 100        bottles per minute; and    -   aseptically filling the bottles with aseptically sterilized        foodstuffs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention will best be understood from adetailed description of the invention and a preferred embodiment,thereof selected for the purposes of illustration, and shown in theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an aseptic processing apparatus in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the aseptic processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the aseptic processingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a bottle infeed andsterilization apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the bottle infeed andsterilization apparatus taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an interior sectional view of an interior wall taken alongline 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle infeed and sterilizationapparatus taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conveying plate for use in the asepticprocessing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partition in a sterile tunnel;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an interior bottlesterilization apparatus and the partition located between stations 8 and9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the partition located betweenstations 22 and 23;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the partition located betweenstations 35 and 36;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a lid sterilization and heatsealing apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a lifting apparatus with a gripper mechanismfor lifting the bottles from the sterile tunnel;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the aseptic processing apparatus; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the aseptic processing apparatus indicatingthe control and monitoring locations that are interfaced with a controlsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will beshown and described in detail, it should be understood that variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the scopeof the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in noway be limited to the number of constituting components, the materialsthereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., andare disclosed simply as an example of the preferred embodiment. Thefeatures and advantages of the present invention are illustrated indetail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like elements throughout the drawings. Although the drawingsare intended to illustrate the present invention, the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

The present invention provides an aseptic processing apparatus 10 thatwill meet the stringent FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirementsand 3A Sanitary Standards and Accepted Practices required to label afood product (foodstuffs) as “aseptic”. Hereafter, “aseptic” will referto the FDA level of aseptic. The present invention provides a method andapparatus for producing at least about a 12 log reduction of Clostridiumbotulinum in food products. In addition, the present invention producespackaging material with at least about a 6 log reduction of spores.Actual testing of the aseptic processing apparatus is accomplished withspore test organisms. These test organisms are selected on theirresistance to the media selected used to achieve sterility. For example,when steam is the media, the test organism is Bacillusstearothermophilus. When hydrogen peroxide is the media, then the testorganism is Bacillus subtilis var. globigii.

The present invention processes containers such as bottles or jars thathave a small opening compared to its height and its greatest width(e.g., the ratio of the opening diameter to the height of the containeris less than 1.0). In the preferred embodiment, a bottle 12 (see, e.g.,FIG. 8) is illustrated as the container. The container may alternatelycomprise a jar. The bottle 12 is preferably formed of a plastic such aspolyethylene terepthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE),although other materials such as glass may also be used. The presentinvention uses an aseptic sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) oroxonia to sterilize the bottles 12. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, hydrogen peroxide is used as the sterilant. Thepresent invention uses hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of lessthan about 35% and ensures that the bottles 12 have less than about 0.5ppm of residual hydrogen peroxide after each bottle 12 is sterilized.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate several views of an aseptic processing apparatus 10in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Asshown, the aseptic processing apparatus 10 includes a first bottleunscrambler 20, a second bottle unscramble 30, and a bottle lifter 40for providing a supply of properly oriented empty bottles. The emptybottles are delivered to a filler apparatus 50 after passing through abottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60 for aseptic sterilization.The filled bottles are sealed at a first capping apparatus 400 or asecond capping apparatus 410. A control system 550 monitors and controlsthe operation of the aseptic processing apparatus 10. The filled andsealed bottles are packed and palletized using a first case packingapparatus 480, a second case packing apparatus 490, a first palletizer500, and a second palletizer 510.

The bottles 12 arrive at a first bottle unscrambler 20 with a randomorientation, such that an opening 16 (see FIG. 8) of each bottle 12 canbe oriented in any direction. The first bottle unscrambler 20manipulates the bottles 12 until the opening 16 of each bottle 12 is ina top vertical position. The bottles 12 leave the first bottleunscrambler 20 in a series formation with the opening 16 of each bottle12 oriented vertically. The bottles 12 travel in single file in a firstlane 18 to a first bottle lifter 40. The first bottle lifter 40 liftsand transports the bottles 12 to a bottle infeed and sterilizationapparatus 60. A second bottle unscrambler 30 may also used to provide asupply of vertically oriented bottles 12. The bottles 12 output from thesecond bottle unscrambler 30 travel in single file in a second lane 22to a second bottle lifter 42, which lifts and transports the bottles 12to the bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottle infeed, sterilization, and conveyingapparatus 60 attached to the filler apparatus 50. FIG. 4 illustrates across-sectional side view of the bottle infeed, sterilization, andconveying apparatus 60. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view ofthe bottle infeed, sterilization, and conveying apparatus 60 taken alongline 5-5 of FIG. 4. The bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60preferably inputs six bottles 12 in a horizontal direction from thefirst lane 18 and six bottles in a horizontal direction from the secondlane 22 (FIG. 5). A gate 76 in the first lane 18 selectively groups sixbottles 12 at a time in first horizontal row 24. A gate 78 in the secondlane 22 selectively groups six bottles 12 at a time in a secondhorizontal row 28. An infeed apparatus 80 includes a pushing element 84for pushing the bottles 12 in the first horizontal row 24 into a firstvertical lane 26. A corresponding infeed apparatus 80 includes a pushingelement 86 for pushing the bottles 12 in the second horizontal row 28into a second vertical lane 32. The six bottles 12 in the first verticallane 26 and the six bottles 12 in the second vertical lane 32 aredirected downward into the bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60.

Referring to FIG. 4, as the bottles 12 move downward in the firstvertical lane 26 and the second vertical lane 32, a sterilant 14, suchas heated hydrogen peroxide, oxonia, or other aseptic sterilant, isapplied to an outside surface 34 of each bottle 12 by a sterilantapplication apparatus 36. The outside surface 34 of a bottle 12 isillustrated in greater detail in FIG. 8. The bottles 12 may movedownward in the first vertical lane 26 and the second vertical lane 32by the force of gravity. Alternatively, controlled downward movement ofthe bottles 12 can be created by the use of a conveying device such as amoving conveying chain. A plurality of pins are attached to theconveying chain. Each bottle 12 rests on one of the pins attached to theconveying chain. Therefore, the motion of each bottle is controlled bythe speed of the moving conveying chain.

A sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide may be provided to the sterilantapplication apparatus 36 in many ways. For example, liquid hydrogenperoxide may be provided in a reservoir at a level maintained by a pumpand overflow pipe. A plurality of measuring cups (e.g., approximately0.5 ml each) connected by an air cylinder are submerged into thereservoir and are lifted above the liquid level. Thus, a measured volumeof liquid hydrogen peroxide is contained in each measuring cup.

Each measuring cup may include a conductivity probe that is configuredto send a signal to the control system 550 indicating that the measuringcup is full. A tube (e.g., having a diameter of about {fraction(1/16)}″) is positioned in the center of the measuring cup. A first endof the tube is positioned near the bottom of the measuring cup. A secondend of the tube is connected to the sterilant application apparatus 36.The sterilant application apparatus 36 includes a venturi and a heateddouble tube heat exchanger. When the measuring cup is full, and a signalis received from the control system 550, a valve is opened allowingpressurized sterile air to enter the venturi. The pressurized air flowcauses a vacuum to be generated in second end of the tube causing liquidhydrogen peroxide to be pulled out of the measuring cup. The liquidhydrogen peroxide is sprayed into a sterile air stream which atomizesthe hydrogen peroxide into a spray. The atomized hydrogen peroxideenters the double tube heat exchanger in order to heat the atomizedhydrogen peroxide to its vaporization phase. The double tube heatexchanger is heated with steam and the temperature is monitored andcontrolled by the control system 550. In FIG. 4, the application of thesterilant 14 by the sterilant application apparatus 36 is accomplishedthrough the use of spray nozzles 64 that produce a sterilant fog whichis directed to the outside surface 34 of each bottle 12.

Alternatively, a direct spray of heated hydrogen peroxide may becontinuously applied to the outside surface 34 of each bottle 12. Forproducing the direct spray, a metering pump regulates the amount ofhydrogen peroxide, a flow meter continuously measures and records thequantity of hydrogen peroxide being dispensed, a spray nozzle produces afine mist, and a heat exchanger heats the hydrogen peroxide above thevaporization point.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the sterilization chamber 38 for activation anddrying of bottles 12 which is included in the bottle infeed,sterilization, and conveying apparatus 60. The sterilization chamber 38sterilizes the outside surface 34 of each bottle 12. The sterilizationchamber 38 encloses a conduit 39. Sterile heated air, which is generatedby a sterile air supply system 146 (FIG. 3), enters the conduit 39 ofthe sterilization chamber 38 through ports 64 and 68 located at thebottom of the sterilization chamber 38. The sterile heated air alsoenters through a bottom opening 62 of the bottle infeed andsterilization apparatus 60. The sterile heated air travels up throughthe conduit 39 of the sterilization chamber 38, and exits the top of thesterilization chamber 38 through an exhaust conduit 70. The sterileheated air continuously flows in an upward direction through thesterilization chamber 38, thus preventing any contaminants from enteringthe bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60. To create the sterileheated air, the air is first passed through a filtering system (e.g., agroup of double sterile air filters) to sterilize the air. The air isthen heated in a heating system (e.g., an electric heater) to about 230°F. The air temperature is regulated by the control system 550. Othertechniques for providing the sterile heated air may also be used. Thecontrol system 550 monitors the air pressure and flow rate of thesterile heated air to ensure that an adequate flow of the hot sterileair is maintained in the bottle sterilization chamber 38 of the bottleinfeed and sterilization apparatus 60.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the sterilization chamber 38includes two opposing, interior, perforated walls 72A, 72B. Theperforated walls 72A and 72B guide the bottles 12 downward in the firstvertical lane 26 and the second vertical lane 32, respectively. Theperforated walls 72A, 72B also allow the complete circulation of hotsterile air around the outside surface 34 of each bottle 12 in thesterilization chamber 38. The sterilization chamber 38 supplies hotsterile air to the outside surface 34 of each bottle 12 between thesterilant application apparatus 36 and the bottom opening 62 of thebottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60. This sterilant may behydrogen peroxide or oxonia (hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid).

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention,twelve drying positions are provided in the sterilization chamber 38.Each bottle 12 is exposed to the hot sterile air in the sterilizationchamber 38 for about at least 24 seconds. This provides time sufficienttime for the hydrogen peroxide sterilant to break down into water andoxygen, to kill any bacteria on the bottles 12, and to evaporate fromthe outside surface 34 of the bottles 12.

An exhaust fan 73 is located at a top of the exhaust conduit 70 toprovide an outlet from a sterile tunnel 90, and to control the sterileair flow rate through the sterilization chamber 38. The exhaust fan 73is controlled by the control system 550. The control system 550 controlsthe sterile air temperature preferably to about 230° F., and controlsthe sterile air flow rate through the sterilization chamber 38. The flowrate is preferably about 1800 scfm through the sterilization chamber 38.The bottles 12 leave the sterilization chamber 38 with a hydrogenperoxide concentration of less than 0.5 PPM.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of proximity sensors 71 locatedalong the sides of the vertical lanes 26, 32 detect any bottle 12 jamsthat occur within the sterilization chamber 38. The proximity sensors 71transmit an alarm signal to the control system 550. The bottles 12 leavethe bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60 through the bottomopening 62, and enter the sterile tunnel 90 of the filler apparatus 50.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fillerapparatus 50 includes forty-one (41) index stations 92, hereafterreferred to as “stations.” Various index stations 92 are illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4, and 11-15. The conveying motion of the bottles 12 to thevarious stations 92 through the filler apparatus 50 is based on anindexing motion. The filler apparatus 50 is designed to convey thebottles 12 through the various operations of the filler 50 in a two bysix matrix. The twelve bottles 12 in the two by six matrix arepositioned in, and displaced by, a conveying plate 94 as illustrated inFIG. 8. Therefore, twelve bottles 12 are exposed to a particular station92 at the same time. A conveying apparatus 100 moves the set of twelvebottles 12 in each conveying plate 94 sequentially through each station92.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottles 12 are supplied from an infeedchamber 102 to station 2 of the filler apparatus 50 through the bottomopening 62 of the bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60. Theinfeed chamber 102 is enclosed to direct heated hydrogen peroxide ladenair completely around the outer surface 34 of the bottles 12. Amechanical scissors mechanism and a vacuum “pick and place” apparatus104 position twelve bottles 12 at a time (in a two by six matrix, FIG.8) into one of the conveying plates 94.

A plurality of conveying plates 94 are attached to a main conveyor 106.The main conveyor 106 forms a continuous element around conveyor pulleys108 and 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A bottle support plate 107supports a bottom 120 of each bottle 12 as the bottles 12 are conveyedfrom station to station through the filler apparatus 50. Each conveyingplate 94 passes through stations 1 through 41, around pulley 108, andreturns around pulley 110 to repeat the process. The main conveyor 106,conveying plates 94, and pulleys 108 and 110 are enclosed in the steriletunnel 90.

At station 4, the bottles 12 in the conveying plate 94 enter a bottledetection apparatus 112. The bottle detection apparatus 112 determineswhether all twelve bottles 12 are actually present and correctlypositioned in the conveying plate 94. Proximity sensors 114 detect thepresence and the alignment of each bottle 12. In the present invention,a bottle 12 with correct alignment is in an upright position with theopening 16 of the bottle 12 located in an upward position. Informationregarding the location of any misaligned or missing bottles 12 isrelayed to the control system 550. The control system 550 uses thislocation information to ensure that, at future stations 92, bottlefilling or sealing will not occur at the locations corresponding to themisaligned or missing bottles 12.

At station 7, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10, the bottles 12 in theconveying plate 94 enter an interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116.A sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, oxonia, or any other suitableaseptic sterilant is applied as a heated vapor fog into the interior 118of each bottle 12. Preferably, hydrogen peroxide is used as thesterilant in the present invention. The application of sterilant isaccomplished with the use of a plurality of sterilant measuring devices120 and applicator spray nozzles 122. A separate measuring device 120and applicator spray nozzle 122 are used for each of the twelve bottle12 locations in the conveying plate 94. Each bottle 12 is supplied withthe same measured quantity of sterilant, preferably in the form of a hotvapor fog. The measured quantity of sterilant may be drawn from areservoir 124 of sterilant, heated, vaporized, etc., in a manner similarto that described above with regard to the sterilant applicationapparatus 36.

The control system 550 monitors and controls a spray apparatus 126 thatincludes the applicator spray nozzles 122. Each applicator spray nozzle122 sprays the sterilant into the interior 118 of a corresponding bottle12 as a hot vapor fog. The applicator spray nozzles 122 are designed toextend through the bottle openings 16. The applicator spray nozzles 122descends into the interior 118 and toward the bottom of the bottles 12.This ensures the complete application of sterilant to the entireinterior 118 and interior surface 119 of each bottle 12. Alternately,the applicator spray nozzles 122 may be positioned immediately above thebottle openings 16 prior to the application of sterilant.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a partition 130 that providescontrol of sterile air flow within the sterile tunnel 90 of the fillerapparatus 50. The partition 130 includes a top baffle plate 132, amiddle baffle plate 134, and a bottom baffle plate 136. The top baffleplate 132 and the middle baffle plate 134 are provided with cut-outs 133which correspond to the outer shape of each bottle 12 and to the outershape of the conveyor plate 94. The cut-outs 133 allow each bottle 12and each conveyor plate 94 to pass through the partition 130. A space138 between the middle baffle plate 134 and the bottom baffle plate 136allows each empty conveyor plate 94 to pass through the partition 130 asit travels on its return trip from the pulley 108 toward the pulley 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, partitions 130A, 130B, and 130C, are locatedwithin the sterile tunnel 90. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional viewof partition 130A including baffle plates 132A, 134A, and 136A. Thepartition 130A is located between stations 8 and 9. FIG. 11 illustratesa cross-sectional view of partition 130B including baffle plates 132B,134B, and 136B. The partition 130B is located between stations 22 and23. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of partition 130Cincluding baffles 132C, 134C, and 136C. The partition 130C is locatedbetween stations 35 and 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3, sterile air isintroduced through sterile air conduits 140, 142, and 144 into thesterile tunnel 90. The sterile air conduit 140 is located at station 23(FIG. 11), the sterile air conduit 142 is located at station 27 (FIG.3), and the sterile air conduit 144 is located at station 35 (FIG. 12).

The partition 130A separates an activation and drying apparatus 152 fromthe interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116. The partition 130Bseparates the activation and drying apparatus 152 from a main productfiller apparatus 160 and a lid sterilization and heat sealing apparatus162. Thus, a first sterilization zone 164 is created that includes theactivation and drying apparatus 152. Partition 130C separates the mainproduct filler apparatus 160 and the lid sterilization and heat sealingapparatus 162 from a bottle discharge apparatus 280. Thus, partitions130B and 130C create a second sterilization zone 166 that includes themain product filler apparatus 160 and the lid sterilization and heatsealing apparatus 162. A third sterilization zone 172 includes thebottle discharge apparatus 280. A fourth sterilization zone 165 includesthe interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116. The secondsterilization zone 166 provides a highly sterile area where the bottles12 are filled with a product and sealed. The second sterilization zone166 is at a higher pressure than the first sterilization zone 164 andthe third sterilization zone 172. Therefore, any gas flow leakage is inthe direction from the second sterilization zone 166 out to the firststerilization zone 164 and the third sterilization zone 172. The firststerilization zone 164 is at a higher pressure than the fourthsterilization zone 165. Therefore, gas flow is in the direction from thefirst sterilization zone 164 to the fourth sterilization zone 165.

The partitions 130A, 130B, and 130C create sterilization zones 164, 165,166, and 172 with different concentration levels of gas laden sterilant(e.g., hydrogen peroxide in air). The highest concentration level ofsterilant is in the fourth sterilization zone 165. An intermediateconcentration level of sterilant is in the first sterilization zone 164.The lowest concentration level of sterilant is in the secondsterilization zone 166. Advantageously, this helps to maintain the mainproduct filler apparatus 160 and the lid sterilization and heat sealingapparatus 162 at a low sterilant concentration level. This preventsunwanted high levels of sterilant to enter the food product during thefilling and lidding process.

Stations 10 through 21 include twelve stations for directing hot sterileair into each bottle 12 for the activation and removal of the sterilantfrom the interior of the bottle 12. The sterile air supply system 146supplies hot sterile air to a plurality of nozzles 150 in the activationand drying apparatus 152. Hot sterile air is supplied to the sterile airsupply system 146 through conduit 148. The air is first passed through afiltration system to sterilize the air. The air is then heated in aheating system to about 230° F. The air temperature is regulated by thecontrol system 550. Also, the control system 550 monitors the airpressure and flow rate to ensure that an adequate flow of hot sterileair is maintained in the sterile tunnel 90 of the application and dryingapparatus 152.

As shown in FIG. 8, each bottle 12 generally has a small opening 16compared to its height “H.” A ratio of a diameter “D” of the bottle 12to the height “H” of the bottle 12 is generally less than 1.0. The smallbottle opening 16 combined with a larger height “H” restricts the flowof hot gas into the interior 118 of the bottle 12. Also, PET and HDPEbottle materials have low heat resistance temperatures. Thesetemperatures commonly are about 55° C. for PET and about 121° C. forHDPE. Typically, in the aseptic packaging industry, a low volume of airat a high temperature is applied to the packaging materials. This oftenresults in deformation and softening of packaging materials formed ofPET and HDPE. In order to prevent softening and deformation of thebottles 12, when formed from these types of materials, the presentinvention applies high volumes of air at relatively low temperaturesover an extended period of time in the activation and drying apparatus152. The plurality of nozzles 150 of the activation and drying apparatus152 direct hot sterile air into the interior 118 of each bottle 12 (FIG.11). A long exposure time is predicated by the geometry of the bottle 12and the softening temperature of the material used to form the bottle12. In the present invention, about 24 seconds are allowed for directinghot sterile air from the plurality of nozzles 150 into each bottle forthe activation and removal of sterilant from the interior surface 119 ofthe bottle 12. To achieve aseptic sterilization, a minimum bottletemperature of about 131° F. should be held for at least 5 seconds. Toachieve this bottle temperature and time requirements, including thetime required to heat the bottle, the sterilant is applied for about 1second and the hot sterile air is introduced for about 24 seconds. Thehot sterile air leaves the nozzles 150 at about 230° F. and cools toabout 131° F. when it enters the bottle 12. The hot sterile air isdelivered at a high volume so that the bottle 12 is maintained at about131° F. for at least 5 seconds. The about 24 seconds provides adequatetime for the bottle 12 to heat up to about 131° F. and to maintain thistemperature for at least 5 seconds. After bottle 12 has dried, theresidual hydrogen peroxide remaining on the bottle 12 surface is lessthan 0.5 PPM.

A foodstuff product is first sterilized to eliminate bacteria in theproduct. An “Ultra High Temperature” (UHT) pasteurization process isrequired to meet the aseptic FDA standard. The time and temperaturerequired to meet the aseptic FDA standard depends on the type offoodstuff. For example, milk must be heated to 282° F. for not less than2 seconds in order to meet the aseptic standards.

After UHT pasteurization, the product is delivered to a main productfiller apparatus 160. The main product filler apparatus is illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 13. The main product filler 160 can be sterilized andcleaned in place to maintain aseptic FDA and 3A standards. A pressurizedreservoir apparatus 180 that can be steam sterilized is included in themain product filler apparatus 160. As illustrated in FIG. 13, thepressurized reservoir apparatus 180 includes an enclosed product tank182 with a large capacity (e.g., 15 gallons). The product tank 182 isable to withstand elevated pressures of about 60 psig or more. Thepressurized reservoir apparatus 180 also includes a level sensor 184, apressure sensor 186, a volumetric measuring device 188, and a fillingnozzle 190. The product tank 182 includes a single inlet with a valvecluster including a sterile barrier to separate the product processsystem from aseptic surge tanks and the main product filler apparatus160. The product tank 182 has an outlet with twelve connections. At eachconnections is a volumetric measuring device 188 such as a mass orvolumetric flow meter. A plurality of filling nozzles 190A, 190B areprovided at stations 23, 25, respectively. In addition, there are aplurality of volumetric measuring devices 188A and 188B to measure thevolume of product entering each bottle 12 at stations 23 and 25,respectively. The control system 550 calculates the desired volume ofproduct to be inserted into each bottle 12, and controls the productvolume by opening or closing a plurality of valves 194A and 194B. Theactivation mechanisms for valves 194A and 194B have a sterile barrier toprevent contamination of the product. The plurality of valves 194Acontrol the volume of product flowing through a corresponding pluralityof nozzles 196A into the bottles 12 at station 23. The plurality ofvalves 194B control the volume of product flowing through acorresponding plurality of nozzles 196B into the bottles 12 at station25. The control system 550 uses the previously stored informationprovided by the bottle detection apparatus 112 to only allow filling tooccur at the locations where bottles 12 are actually present andcorrectly aligned.

The initial sterilization process for the pressurized reservoirapparatus 180 includes the step of exposing all of the surfaces of thepressurized reservoir apparatus 180 that come in contact with theproduct to steam at temperatures above about 250° F. for a minimum ofabout 30 minutes. Elements such as cups 198A and 198B are used to blockoff nozzle outlets 196A and 196B respectively, to allow a build-up ofsteam pressure to about 50 psig inside the pressurized reservoirapparatus 180. Condensate generated as the steam heats the interiorsurfaces of the pressurized reservoir apparatus 180 is collected andreleased from the nozzles 198A and 198B. This condensate is releasedwhen the cups 198A and 198B are removed from the nozzle outlets 196A and196B. Once the interior surfaces of the pressurized reservoir apparatus180 are sterilized, the steam is shut off, and sterile air is used toreplace the steam. The sterile air reduces the interior temperature ofthe pressurized reservoir apparatus 180 to the temperature of theproduct before the product is allowed to enter the enclosed product tank182. Sterile air is directed through sterile air conduits 142 and 144into the second sterilization zone 166 at a volume rate of about 800scfm (FIG. 13). The sterile air flow entering the second sterilizationzone 166 provides sterile air to the main product filler apparatus 160and to the lid sterilization and heat sealing apparatus 162.

The main product filler apparatus 160 includes a separate fillingposition for each bottle. The bottle 12 filling operation is completedfor six bottles at station 23 and for six bottles at station 25.

FIGS. 3 and 13 illustrate the lid sterilization and heat sealingapparatus 162. A lid 200 is applied to each of the twelve bottles 12 atstation 31. For a fully aseptic bottle filler, complete lid 200sterilization is necessary, and therefore a sterilant such as hydrogenperoxide is typically used. In the present invention, the lids areformed of a material such as foil or plastic. The lids 200 are joinedtogether by a small interconnecting band that holds them together toform a long connected chain of lids 200, hereinafter referred to as a“daisy chain” 202. A daisy chain 202 of lids 200 is placed on each of aplurality of reels 210. For the twelve bottle configuration of thepresent invention, six of the reels 210, each holding a daisy chain 202of lids 200, are located on each side of a heat sealing apparatus 214.Each daisy chain 202 of lids 200 winds off of a corresponding reel 210and is sterilized, preferably using a hydrogen peroxide bath 204. Aplurality of hot sterile air knives 208, which are formed by jets of hotsterile air, activate the hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the lids 200 onthe daisy chain 202. The hot sterile air knives 208 also remove thehydrogen peroxide from the lids 200 so that the residual concentrationof hydrogen peroxide is less than 0.5 PPM. The hydrogen peroxide bath204 prevents any contaminants from entering the sterile tunnel 90 viathe lidding operation. Once sterilized, the lids 200 enter the steriletunnel 90 where they are separated from the daisy chain 202 and placedon a bottle 12. Each lid is slightly larger in diameter then that of theopening 16 of a bottle 12. During the placement of the lid 200 on thebottle 12, a slight mechanical crimp of the lid 200 is formed to locateand hold the lid 200 on the bottle 12. The crimp holds the lid 200 inplace on the bottle 12 until the bottle 12 reaches a station 33 forsealing.

At station 33, the lids 200 are applied to the bottles 12. The heatsealing apparatus 214 includes a heated platen 216 that applies heat andpressure against each lid 200 for a predetermined length of time, toform a seal between the lid 200 and the bottle 12. The heated platen 216is in a two by six configuration to seal twelve of the bottles 12 at atime.

At station 37, the lid 200 seal and bottle 12 integrity are checked in aknown manner by a seal integrity apparatus (not shown) comprising, forexample, a bottle squeezing mechanism and a proximity sensor. Eachbottle 12 is squeezed by the bottle squeezing mechanism which causes thelid 200 on the bottle 12 to extend upward. The proximity sensor detectsif the lid 200 has extended upward, which indicates an acceptable seal,or whether the seal remains flat, which indicates a leaking seal orbottle 12. The location of the defective bottles 12 are recorded by thecontrol system 550 so that the defective bottles will not be packed.

Bottle discharge from the sterile tunnel 90 of the filler apparatus 50occurs at stations 38 and 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 13 and 14. Abottle discharge apparatus 280 is located at stations 38 and 40. At thispoint in the filler apparatus 50, the filled and sealed bottles 12 areforced in an upward direction such that a top portion 284 of each bottle12 protrudes through an opening 282 in the sterile tunnel 90 (FIG. 14).A rotating cam 290 or other suitable means (e.g., an inflatablediaphragm, etc.) may be used to apply a force against the bottom 120 ofeach bottle 12 to force the bottle 12 in an upward direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the bottle discharge apparatus 280 comprisesa lifting apparatus 286 that includes a gripper 288 that grasps the topportion 284 of each bottle 12 and lifts the bottle 12 out through theopening 282 in the sterile tunnel 90. In order to ensure thatcontaminated air cannot enter the sterile tunnel 90, the sterile air inthe sterile tunnel 90 is maintained at a higher pressure than the airoutside the sterile tunnel 90. Thus, sterile air is always flowing outof the sterile tunnel 90 through the opening 282. In addition, thegripper 288 never enters the sterile tunnel 90, because the top portion284 of the bottle 12 is first lifted out of the sterile tunnel 90 by theaction of the rotating cam 290 before being grabbed by the gripper 288.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the filler apparatus 50 including thebottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60, the interior bottlesterilization apparatus 116, and the activation and drying apparatus152. FIG. 15 additionally illustrates the main filler apparatus 160, thelid sterilization and heat sealing apparatus 162, and the bottledischarge apparatus 280.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 14, the lifting apparatus 286 lifts thebottles 12 at station 38 and places the bottles 12 in a first lane 292that transports the bottles 12 to a first capping apparatus 410. Inaddition, the lifting apparatus 286 lifts the bottles 12 at station 40and places the bottles 12 in a second lane 294 that transports thebottles 12 to a second capping apparatus 400.

The first capping apparatus 410 secures a cap (not shown) on the top ofeach bottle 12 in the first lane 292. The second capping apparatus 400secures a cap on the top of each bottle 12 in the second lane 294. Thecaps are secured to the bottles 12 in a manner known in the art. Itshould be noted that the capping process may be performed outside of thesterile tunnel 90 because each of the bottles 12 have previously beensealed within the sterile tunnel 90 by the lid sterilization and heatsealing apparatus 162 using a sterile lid 200.

After capping, the bottles 12 are transported via the first and secondlanes 292, 294 to labelers 460 and 470. The first labeling apparatus 470applies a label to each bottle 12 in the first lane 292. The secondlabeling apparatus 460 applies a label to each bottle 12 in the secondlane 294.

From the first labeling apparatus 470, the bottles 12 are transportedalong a first set of multiple lanes (e.g., 4) to a first case packingapparatus 490. From the second labeling apparatus 460, the bottles 12are transported along a second set of multiple lanes to a second casepacking apparatus 480. Each case packing apparatus 480, 490 gathers andpacks a plurality of the bottles 12 (e.g., twelve) in each case in asuitable (e.g., three by four) matrix.

A first conveyor 296 transports the cases output by the first casepacker 490 to a first palletizer 510. A second conveyor 298 transportsthe cases output by the second case packer 480 to a second palletizer500. A vehicle, such as a fork lift truck, then transports the palletsloaded with the cases of bottles 12 to a storage warehouse.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the main conveyor 106 and each conveyingplate 94 are cleaned and sanitized once during each revolution of themain conveyor 106. Specifically, after each empty conveying plate 94passes around the pulley 108, the conveying plate 94 is passed through aliquid sanitizing apparatus 300 and a drying apparatus 302. The liquidsanitizing apparatus 300 sprays a mixture of a sterilizing agent (e.g.,oxonia, (hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid)) over the entiresurface of each conveying plate 94 and associated components of the mainconveyor 106. In the drying apparatus 302, heated air is used to dry themain conveyor 106 and conveying plates 94.

Stations 1 through 40 are enclosed in the sterile tunnel 90. The steriletunnel 90 is supplied with air that is pressurized and sterilized. Theinterior of the sterile tunnel 90 is maintained at a pressure higherthan the outside environment in order to eliminate contamination duringthe bottle processing. In addition, to further ensure a sterileenvironment within the sterile tunnel 90, the sterile air supplyprovides a predetermined number of air changes (e.g., 2.5 changes of airper minute) in the sterile tunnel 90.

The bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60 and the fillerapparatus 50 meet the 3A Sanitary Standards of the Sanitary StandardsSymbol Administrative Council. The 3A Sanitary Standards ensure that allproduct contact surfaces can be cleaned and sterilized on a regularbasis such as daily. The present invention allows the product contactsurfaces to be cleaned-in-place without dismantling the bottle infeedand sterilization apparatus 60 or the filler apparatus 50. The 3ASanitary Standards includes requirements such as the material type, thematerial surface finish, the elastomer selection, the radius of machinedparts and the ability of all surfaces to be free draining. For example,the material type is selected from the 300 series of stainless steel andall product contact surfaces have a finish at least as smooth as No. 4ground finish on stainless steel sheets.

Before bottle production is initiated, the bottle infeed andsterilization apparatus 60 and the filler apparatus 50 are preferablysterilized with an aseptic sterilant. For example, a sterilant such as ahot hydrogen peroxide mist may be applied to all interior surfaces ofthe bottle infeed and sterilization apparatus 60 and the fillerapparatus 50. Then, hot sterile air is supplied to activate and removethe hydrogen peroxide, and to dry the interior surfaces of the bottleinfeed and sterilization apparatus 60 and the filler apparatus 50.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the aseptic processing apparatus 10 of thepresent invention indicating the location of the control and monitoringdevices that are interfaced with the control system 550. The controlsystem 550 gathers information and controls process functions in theaseptic processing apparatus 10. A preferred arrangement of the controland monitoring devices are indicated by encircled letters in FIG. 16. Afunctional description of each of the control and monitoring devices islisted below. It should be noted that these control and monitoringdevices are only representative of the types of devices that may be usedin the aseptic processing apparatus 10 of the present invention. Othertypes and combinations of control and monitoring devices may be usedwithout departing from the intended scope of the present invention.Further, control system 550 may respond in different ways to the outputsof the control and monitoring devices. For example, the control system550 may automatically adjust the operational parameters of the variouscomponents of the aseptic processing apparatus 10, may generate and/orlog error messages, or may even shut down the entire aseptic processingapparatus 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thecontrol and monitoring devices include:

-   -   A. A bottle counter to ensure that a predetermined number of the        bottles 12 (e.g., six bottles) on each upper horizontal row 24,        28 enter the loading area of the bottle infeed and sterilization        apparatus 60.    -   B. A proximity sensor to ensure that the first group of bottles        12 has dropped into the first bottle position in the bottle        infeed and sterilization apparatus 60.    -   C1. A conductivity sensor to ensure that the measuring cup used        by the sterilant application apparatus 36 is full.    -   C2. A conductivity sensor to ensure that the measuring cup used        by the sterilant application apparatus 36 is emptied in a        predetermined time.    -   C3. A pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure of the air        used by the sterilant application apparatus 36 is within        predetermined atomization requirements.    -   C4. A temperature sensor to ensure that each heat heating        element used by the sterilant application apparatus 36 is heated        to the correct temperature.    -   D. A proximity sensor (e.g., proximity sensor 71, FIG. 3) to        ensure that a bottle jam has not occurred within the bottle        infeed and sterilization apparatus 60.    -   E. A temperature sensor to ensure that the temperature of the        heated sterile air entering the bottle infeed and sterilization        apparatus 60 is correct.    -   F. A proximity sensor that to ensure that each conveying plate        94 is fully loaded with bottles 12.    -   G1. A conductivity sensor to ensure that the measuring cup used        by the interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116 is full.    -   G2. A conductivity sensor to ensure that the measuring cup used        by the interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116 is emptied in        a predetermined time.    -   G3. A pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure of the air        used by the interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116 is        within predetermined atomization requirements.    -   G4. A temperature sensor to ensure that each heat heating        element used by the interior bottle sterilization apparatus 116        is heated to the correct temperature.    -   H. A temperature sensor to ensure that the air drying        temperature within the activation and drying apparatus 152 is        correct.    -   I. A plurality of flow sensors to ensure that the airflow rate        of the sterile air entering the sterile tunnel 90 is correct.    -   J. A pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure of the sterile        air entering the activation and drying apparatus 152 is correct.    -   K. A measuring device (e.g., volumetric measuring device 188,        FIG. 3) to ensure that each bottle 12 is filled to a        predetermined level.    -   L. A pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure in the product        tank 182 is above a predetermined level.    -   M. A level sensor to ensure that the level of product in the        product tank 182 is maintained at a predetermined level.    -   N. Proximity sensors to ensure that the daisy chains 202 of lids        200 are present in the lid sterilization and heat sealing        apparatus 162    -   O. A level sensor to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide level in        the hydrogen peroxide bath 204 in the lid sterilization and heat        sealing apparatus 162 is above a predetermined level.    -   P. A temperature sensor to ensure that the temperature of the        hot sterile air knives 208 of the lid sterilization and heat        sealing apparatus 162 is correct.    -   Q. A temperature sensor to ensure that the heat sealing        apparatus 214 is operating at the correct temperature.    -   R. Proximity sensors to ensure that the bottles 12 are        discharged from the filler.    -   S. A speed sensor to measure the speed of the conveying        apparatus 100.    -   T. A concentration sensor to ensure that the concentration of        oxonia is maintained at a predetermined level in the sanitizing        apparatus 300.    -   U. A pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure of the oxonia        is maintained above a predetermined level in the sanitizing        apparatus 300.    -   V. A temperature sensor to ensure that the drying temperature of        the drying apparatus 302 is correct.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andmany modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof this invention defined by the accompanying claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A device for automatically aseptically bottlingaseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising: means for providing aplurality of bottles; means for aseptically disinfecting the bottles ata rate greater than 100 bottles per minute wherein the means foraseptically disinfecting the bottles further includes means fordisinfecting an interior of the bottles with a hot atomized hydrogenperoxide further wherein said plurality of bottles are in an uprightposition; and means for aseptically filling the bottles with asepticallysterilized foodstuffs.
 23. An aseptic processing apparatus foraseptically bottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising: asterile tunnel for surrounding a plurality of bottles with pressurizedsterile air; a conveying apparatus for moving the plurality of bottlesthrough the sterile tunnel; a bottle infeed, sterilization and conveyingapparatus for sterilizing an exterior surface of each bottle and forfeeding the sterilized bottles into the sterile tunnel; an interiorbottle sterilization apparatus for applying a sterilant to an interiorsurface of each bottle; an activation and drying apparatus foractivating and removing the sterilant from the interior surface of eachbottle; a product filler apparatus for filling the asepticallysterilized plurality of bottles with the aseptically sterilizedfoodstuffs; a lidding apparatus for applying a sterilized lid to eachbottle; and a bottle discharge apparatus for removing the bottles fromthe sterile tunnel.
 24. The aseptic processing apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the sterile tunnel further includes a plurality ofpartitions forming a plurality of sterilant concentration zones.
 25. Theaseptic processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein each bottlehas an opening size to height ratio of less than one.
 26. The asepticprocessing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sterilant ishydrogen peroxide.
 27. The aseptic processing apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the sterilant is oxonia.
 28. The aseptic processingapparatus according to claim 23, further including a lid sterilizationapparatus.
 29. The aseptic processing apparatus according to claim 23,wherein the plurality of bottles are made from plastic.
 30. The asepticprocessing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the plastic ispolyethylene terepthalate.
 31. The aseptic processing apparatusaccording to claim 29, wherein the plastic is high density polyethylene.32. The aseptic processing apparatus according to claim 23, furtherincluding a feedback control system for maintaining aseptic bottlingconditions.
 33. The aseptic processing apparatus according to claim 23,wherein the product filling apparatus fills the plurality of bottles ata rate greater than 360 bottles per minute.
 34. The aseptic processingapparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sterile tunnel encloses theinterior bottle sterilization apparatus, the activation and dryingapparatus, the product filler apparatus, and the lidding apparatus. 35.The device according to claim 22, wherein each bottle has an openingsize to height ratio of less than one.
 36. The device according to claim22, wherein the plurality of bottles are made from a glass.
 37. Thedevice according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of bottles are madefrom a plastic.
 38. The device according to claim 37, wherein theplastic is selected from the group: polyethylene terepthatlate and highdensity polyehylene.
 39. The device according to claim 22, wherein themeans for disinfecting an interior of the bottles includes anapplication of the hot hydrogen peroxide spray for about 1 second and anactivation and removal of the hot hydrogen peroxide using hotaseptically sterilized air for about 24 seconds.
 40. The deviceaccording to claim 22, further including means for feedback control formaintaining aseptic bottling conditions.
 41. The device according toclaim 22, wherein means for aseptically disinfecting is provided by oneof the group: hydrogen peroxide and oxonia.
 42. The device according toclaim 22, wherein means for aseptically disinfecting the bottlesincludes disinfecting an outside surfaces of the bottles with hydrogenperoxide.
 43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the disinfectingthe outside surfaces includes about 1 second for the application of thehot hydrogen peroxide spray and about 24 seconds for an activation andremoval of the hot hydrogen peroxide using hot aseptically sterilizedair.
 44. The device according to claim 22, wherein the means foraseptically disinfecting the bottles further comprises: asepticallydisinfecting the bottles at a rate greater than 360 bottles per minute.45. The device according to claim 22, wherein the means for asepticallyfilling the bottles further comprises: aseptically filling the bottlesat a rate greater than 100 bottles per minute.
 46. A device forautomatically aseptically bottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffscomprising: means for providing a plurality of bottles; means foraseptically disinfecting the bottles at a rate greater than 100 bottlesper minute; and means for aseptically filling the bottles withaseptically sterilized foodstuffs, wherein the aseptically sterilizedfoodstuffs are sterilized at a level producing at least a 12 logreduction in Clostridium botulinum.
 47. A device for automaticallyaseptically bottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising: meansfor providing a plurality of bottles; means for aseptically disinfectingthe bottles at a rate greater than 100 bottles per minute, wherein theaseptically disinfected bottles are sterilized to a level producing atleast a 6 log reduction in spore organisms; and means for asepticallyfilling the bottles with aseptically sterilized foodstuffs.
 48. A devicefor automatically aseptically bottling aseptically sterilized foodstuffscomprising: means for providing a plurality of bottles; means foraseptically disinfecting the bottles at a rate greater than 100 bottlesper minute, wherein the means for aseptically disinfecting the bottlesfurther includes means for disinfecting an interior of the bottles witha hot hydrogen peroxide spray, further wherein the means fordisinfecting an interior of the bottles includes an application of thehot hydrogen peroxide spray for about 1 second and an activation andremoval of the hot hydrogen peroxide using hot aseptically sterilizedair for about 24 seconds, wherein the residual level of hydrogenperoxide is less than 0.5 PPM; and means for aseptically filling thebottles with aseptically sterilized foodstuffs.